Pandora SCUBAseRealistic training for air-supply failures
The Subsurface Pandora makes an air-supply failure physically real on the instructor’s command — not a simulation, but a genuine emergency in a fully controlled environment.
What is Pandora SCUBAse?
The Subsurface Pandora (SPA) makes an air-supply failure physically real on the instructor’s command: the trainee actually receives no breathing air and carries out the emergency procedure they have learned. The instructor can restore the air supply at any moment via a control box — green stands for normal diving, red activates a first-stage failure and yellow a second-stage failure.
This trains both recognising a genuine failure and carrying out the emergency procedure correctly and in good time under stress — while maintaining a clear airway and a controlled ascent. The training is linked to IKB 117, IKB 119 and IKB 140.
How it works
The Subsurface Pandora is linked to a control box. With it the instructor switches between normal diving and a first- or second-stage failure — reversible to normal at any moment.
How the training is structured
Pandora SCUBAse follows a step-by-step build-up: depth and complexity increase gradually. A new phase is only released once the trainee masters the previous phase calmly and correctly. In this way every trainee builds confidence at their own pace.
Failure on command
The failure becomes physically real on the instructor’s command — not a simulated emergency, but a genuine interruption of the air supply.
Air instantly restorable
The instructor restores the air supply at any moment. Restoring air always takes priority over the exercise objective.
Phased build-up
Depth and complexity increase step by step: from 1.3 m via 3.5 m and 5 m to 9 m. Each phase is only released once the previous one is mastered calmly.
2nd- and 1st-stage failure
Trainees learn to recognise breathing-gas stagnation and to carry out the correct emergency procedure in accordance with OD-12 and OD-13.
Safety and approach
Safety first
The instructor keeps constant watch on an uninterrupted exhalation during the ascent and can intervene at any time. A standby diver, O2 kit and first aid/AED are on hand.
Realistic and controlled
The failure is real, but fully controlled: the instructor can return the air supply to normal diving at any moment.
Who it is for
Divers and trainees who want to train and consolidate their emergency procedures for an air-supply failure in a realistic way.
Interested in Pandora SCUBAse?
Would you like to know more about this training or enrol a trainee? Contact the Centrum voor Beroepsduiken to discuss the possibilities.